which 50cc class Husky would you buy

b_macneil254 · January 12, 2016, 07:26:33 PM

went to the dealer today to purchase a new 550xp, I was surprised when he was trying to sell me the 555 and not the 550. and both saws were on the shelf. I left quite confused because everything I have read about the 550xp is all positive. I have no info on the 555. I would like some feed back on both saws before I make a final purchase. Help please!
thanks

John Mc · January 12, 2016, 09:13:21 PM

Both are great saws. It just depends on whether you are looking for a 50 cc or a 60cc saw.

snowshoveler · January 12, 2016, 09:14:26 PM

Hello b_macneil...nice last name...same as me.
I run a service dept in a Husky shop in Bridgewater.
The 550 is a great saw and you would not be disappointed.
The 555 is as good a saw but its also the next size up and as a result its a nice bit bigger and heavier.
The 550 is my favorite for the last few years. I try them all in my firewood and my sawmill (hobby).
It really depends on the size of the wood and what you feel comfortable using.
Maybe snoop around your dealer and see if there service department has the service tools for these saws.
They really need to be able to plug them into a laptop for service and repairs.
We have this and we do NOT charge to check or update a saw. Some other dealers in my area charge a lot for a 5 minute job. As a result we outsell them and enjoy good sales and our service dept makes money.
Regards Chris

bacon · January 12, 2016, 09:57:53 PM

How much will you use it and what type of work? What about a 455 or 460 rancher. Same displacement for quite a bit less money. I have a 455 rancher and it does a lot of work with no hesitation.

celliott · January 12, 2016, 10:23:18 PM

Despite the model number, the 555 is a 60cc class saw. Similar to a 562xp.
I'd get the 550 for sure. I want one.

old guy · January 12, 2016, 10:44:59 PM

550 all day long.

John

SawTroll · January 13, 2016, 05:22:23 AM

The 555 actually is a "detuned" non-xp/semi-pro version of the 560xp.

Stay with the 550xp if a 50cc saw is what you need/want - or go with the 560xp/562xp if you want a top performance 60cc saw.

RCBS · January 13, 2016, 05:55:50 AM

I bought the 550 back in November. I have ran maybe 12 tanks through so far. My previous "tractor saw" was a '98 model 350. I don't want to short the 350 because it has always been a great saw, but the 550 is better in every aspect so far, excluding price. I'm running 18" .325 on it and it cuts very nicely. I was without my "middle saw" for about a year after I took the 350 out of service and realized that while my 70cc & top handle saw would still get things done, many times they were either too much or not enough "gun". 50cc is perfect for me to throw on the tractor to clear and maintain my trails and bucks medium sized logs well for firewood.

A lot of folks suggest a 60cc saw if you are only going to have just one. The three saw plan works for me. If I were to only have one saw, I'd likely go with the 562xp. Big enough for most jobs, but not so big that you are constantly waiting for a chance to set it down while working.

b_macneil254 · January 13, 2016, 06:59:06 AM

Thanks for all the info, I think I will get the 550. I was really impressed by the 346 and I would like to get something close to that. I ran a 254 for 15 years, and in my opinion it is one of huskys best ever made for mid range saw.(other then the 12 pulls to get it running from cold) I also have a 372xp for bigger hardwood. The 550 would be more of a pulp cutter and ATV trail saw.

Once again thanks for all the info

Skip · January 13, 2016, 07:27:06 AM

550 XP, got one and love it.

John Mc · January 13, 2016, 08:26:24 AM

Seeing that you already have a 372XP, the 550XP is probably the best choice. A top-notch, lightweight saw that is still powerful enough to get things done. I think you'll be happy with it.

If you only were going to own one saw, and weren't strongly concerned about a little extra weight, the 562XP might be a better choice (or the 555, if the cost of the 562XP was a bit much).

Flip D · January 13, 2016, 12:05:04 PM

I have both and use the 550 most of the time, it's an amazing little saw and there is a small but noticeable weight difference between the two. I've been using mine for firewood and clearing land for more pasture. I also have a 394 but rarely use it. For the big stuff, I just cut from both sides with the 555. These 2 saws replaced my 372, 562, and 346 and don't miss any of them one bit.

https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38123/IMG0251_-_Copy.JPG

HolmenTree · January 13, 2016, 12:38:04 PM

Seeing you're up in Cape Breton make sure you get the winter kit for the 550 too.

John Mc · January 13, 2016, 01:04:31 PM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Flip D

Quote from: Flip D on January 13, 2016, 12:05:04 PM
I have both and use the 550 most of the time, it's an amazing little saw and there is a small but noticeable weight difference between the two... For the big stuff, I just cut from both sides with the 555. These 2 saws replaced my 372, 562, and 346 and don't miss any of them one bit.

You replaced a 562 with a 555? (basically a detuned version of the 562) Is there a story behind this?

SawTroll · January 13, 2016, 01:22:35 PM

Quote from: HolmenTree on January 13, 2016, 12:38:04 PM
Seeing you're up in Cape Breton make sure you get the winter kit for the 550 too.

Those kits come with the heated (xpg) saws here.

Flip D · January 13, 2016, 07:32:54 PM

Quote from: John Mc on January 13, 2016, 01:04:31 PM
Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Flip D

Quote from: Flip D on January 13, 2016, 12:05:04 PM
I have both and use the 550 most of the time, it's an amazing little saw and there is a small but noticeable weight difference between the two... For the big stuff, I just cut from both sides with the 555. These 2 saws replaced my 372, 562, and 346 and don't miss any of them one bit.

You replaced a 562 with a 555? (basically a detuned version of the 562) Is there a story behind this?

I wanted to be able to swap bars between the two saws. I run the 17" 64dl 3/8 semi chisel on the 550 and run 18" LGX chisel on the 555. With the 18"that they run 99% of the time, I couldn't tell a difference between the 555 & 562. I had 24" bars for both and you could definitely tell the 562 was faster but those are not used very often and the 555 feels lighter with the 18", both bars are pro-lites.

John Mc · January 13, 2016, 08:33:15 PM

Makes sense. I wish they would sell the 560XP here in the US. When my 357XP finally dies, I'm considering replacing it with a 562XP - or maybe the Jonsered equivalent of the 560XP (2260?).

snowshoveler · January 13, 2016, 08:38:58 PM

All our 550 saws come with the winter kits. The XPG comes with the flocked filter and the mesh 1.
You would be surprised how many "pro" cutter dislike the flocked filter.
They have no idea really.
The winter kit is not really a good idea here in Nova Scotia. 1 day it can be 10 below celcius and the next it could be 10 above celcius and those warm temps will kill your saw if you leave the kit on your saw.
I have never seen a Husky freeze up and I have worked in some nasty weather here.
If its continually 20 below and a lot of power snow maybe the winter kit would do something for you.
That just doesen't happen here though.
Regards Chris

Flip D · January 13, 2016, 09:06:57 PM

Quote from: John Mc on January 13, 2016, 08:33:15 PM
Makes sense. I wish they would sell the 560XP here in the US. When my 357XP finally dies, I'm considering replacing it with a 562XP - or maybe the Jonsered equivalent of the 560XP (2260?).

I hear ya, I'd have a 560xp if they sold it here.

stumpjumper83 · January 15, 2016, 03:47:10 PM

I'm a converting stihl addict. At one point I had a 180,200,201,250,(2) 260,(2)460 & an echo 330t. the 200's and the 460's sold the other saws, the 260's were not well liked, as they were heavier than the 250 and seemed to cut slower - 250 was running .325 chain. For all the good points the 250 is a finicky little bugger. Then some help showed up one day with a husky 346xp, it killed the 250, no questions asked. When I got out of residential tree removal, so went the 180, 200, & 260 saws.

As of this morning I have a 330t,- only cause its kinda handy for a backpackers chainsaw. a jonsered 2165, a stihl 460, and new this morning a 550xp w/ a 18" powersharp self sharpenng chain. So far its an excellent combo. We are cutting 20"+ red pine and im bucking up with the little husky and helping limb if the cutter is behind. The cutter owns the 346, he says that the 550 is lighter and faster than his 346xp. So go 550xp or 562xp if you go 60cc instead of 50

weimedog · January 16, 2016, 10:12:46 AM

Have to throw my hat in the ring...for a "one saw" option. 555 if the money is the same as the 550xp. More saw. Nice saw. 60cc vs. 50cc. A little more weight. Small mount vs. large mount on the 562 therefore a bit lighter than those. I have one and its a great all around farm saw.

hamish · January 16, 2016, 09:36:48 PM

Have to agree, the Triple-Nickel hands down.
Size and weight differences are negligible, and in most cases not noticeable, but the extra HP is.

The 555 running .325 is a wood slayer.

CR888 · January 18, 2016, 11:53:00 PM

I have both saws and neither is a bad saw. It comes down to what you need, if a light limbing saw is what you need get the 550xp. I enjoy my 555 with a 9pin driver & 15".325 Windsor set up. The 555 has standard clutch spline and the 550 has small, so if you want to run .325&3/8picco your better off with a small spline 550xp. If you want to run bigger chain the 555 is better.

SawTroll · January 19, 2016, 04:04:18 AM

Quote from: CR888 on January 18, 2016, 11:53:00 PM
I have both saws and neither is a bad saw. It comes down to what you need, if a light limbing saw is what you need get the 550xp. I enjoy my 555 with a 9pin driver & 15".325 Windsor set up. The 555 has standard clutch spline and the 550 has small, so if you want to run .325&3/8picco your better off with a small spline 550xp. If you want to run bigger chain the 555 is better.

Actually you are better off with standard 7-spline for 3/8" Picco (rims usually aren't made for the small 7-spline).

Anyway, the clutch drums interchange between the saws, so you can use what you want on either saw.